Hakone Yuyado Zen
9,7/10 Exceptional - Based on 262 reviews
Hakone Yuyado Zen is a compact, adult‑oriented ryokan tucked into Sengokuhara in Hakone. The property comprises nine guest rooms arranged to prioritize privacy and quiet; rooms come in Western and Japanese‑Western configurations with tatami areas, low seating and wooden detailing that blend traditional and contemporary touches. Every accommodation includes a semi‑open‑air bathing area directly attached to the room, making the inn an attractive ryokan with private onsen in Hakone for travelers who want an in‑room thermal experience with restrained, modern styling.
The baths are supplied with naturally cloudy, sulphurous water drawn from local Owakudani sources; the inn describes the supply as kakenagashi (continuous non‑recirculated flow) and highlights the water’s skin‑conditioning qualities associated with metasilicic acid, often referred to locally as Bijin‑no‑yu. Most rooms face garden or hillside panoramas and, on clear days, some offer framed views that can include Mount Fuji; the emphasis on in‑room semi‑open‑air bathing and discreet service means guests primarily enjoy private thermal soaking rather than large communal facilities.
Meals focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients presented in multi‑course kaiseki style, with occasional premium selections such as regional wagyu, served in small semi‑private dining areas to maintain a calm atmosphere. Practical amenities include a small lounge and concierge, a complimentary shuttle from nearby transport points on request and on‑site parking; because the inn’s scale is deliberately small, occupancy and dining services are limited, which supports a quietly curated stay—an intimate ryokan with private onsen in Kanagawa suited to couples or solo adults seeking a concise, restorative retreat.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hakone Yuyado Zen
Positive Reviews
Attentive, high-quality staff and service
Multiple reviews praise the staff as extremely welcoming, attentive and helpful, with personalised touches (welcome drinks, special arrangements for honeymoons or early departures) that enhance the overall experience.
Private in-room onsen with great views
Guests repeatedly highlight the private onsen in each room (some on the balcony) as a standout feature — relaxing, private and offering mountain or forest views when weather permits.
Excellent, elaborate dinners and breakfasts (Kaiseki)
Dining is frequently described as high-quality and beautifully presented (multi-course/kaiseki). Reviewers call the dinner and Japanese breakfast delicious and memorable, praising the presentation and service.
Stunning, peaceful location with Mt. Fuji vistas
The property's mountain setting and views (including Mount Fuji on clear days) are repeatedly mentioned as spectacular, creating a calm, zen-like atmosphere and a very scenic getaway.
Spacious, clean and comfortable rooms with thoughtful amenities
Guests note large, well-kept rooms with comfortable beds, good amenities (yukata, pajamas) and overall cleanliness, contributing to a relaxing stay.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and limited transfer options
Several guests note the property is a bit of a trek to reach; transfers rely on buses/ropeways and while a hotel shuttle is available, access can involve long journeys and careful planning.
Cuisine is very Japanese and portions can be heavy
While many praise the food, some Western guests found the breakfast/dinner very traditional and plentiful—some would have preferred Western alternatives or smaller portions.
Limited in-room instructions and communication for some systems
A few reviews mention a lack of clear English instructions for room controls (thermostat, phone) or difficulty contacting the front desk via in-room phone/TV, causing minor inconvenience.
Minor cleanliness issues reported
Isolated comments point to windows in the dining area or bathroom needing better cleaning, suggesting occasional lapses in attention to some details.
Pajamas sizing and small wardrobe fit issues
At least one guest noted the provided pajamas did not fit well, a minor comfort issue for in-room attire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are designed for two adults; select room types can accommodate up to four guests. Children over 12 are generally accepted and the property enforces an adult-oriented policy for check-in.
Each guest room is equipped with a semi-open-air private hot spring bath for exclusive use, and the property also offers additional hot spring facilities and an open-air bath on-site.
Yes — a complimentary shuttle picks up guests from nearby stops such as Ubako Station (Hakone Ropeway) and the Palace Hotel‑mae bus stop; you should call the property on arrival to arrange pickup.
The closest major airport is Haneda, typically around 90–120 minutes to Hakone by car or public transport; Narita is farther, usually around three hours depending on connections and traffic.
Japanese is the primary language; staff commonly provide basic English assistance and can help with directions and arrangements, though for complex requests contacting the ryokan in advance is recommended.
The ryokan serves traditional multi-course Japanese dinners, usually in private dining rooms, and offers a breakfast service; special dietary requests should be communicated to the ryokan before arrival.
Nearby highlights include the Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani Valley, Lake Ashi and its pirate-ship cruises, the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the Pola Museum, and the Sengokuhara pampas grass fields.
Free on-site parking is provided for guests; convenience stores and local shops are available a short drive away — staff can advise on the nearest options and directions.
Standard check-in begins at 3:00 PM (with arrivals usually accepted until around 6:00 PM) and check-out is by 11:00 AM; note the property entrance is typically closed overnight (around 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM), so inform the ryokan if you expect a late arrival.
All guest rooms include a private semi-open-air onsen for exclusive use by that room’s occupants; pets are not permitted on the property.